2020 Charlotte Independence season

The 2020 Charlotte Independence season was the club's sixth season of existence, and their sixth in the USL Championship (USLC), the second tier of American soccer. This article covers the period from November 18, 2019, the day after the 2019 USLC Playoff Final, to the conclusion of the 2020 USLC Playoff Final, scheduled for November 12–16, 2020.[1]

Charlotte Independence
2020 season
PresidentJim McPhilliamy
Head coachMike Jeffries
StadiumSportsplex at Matthews
USLConference: 6th
Group G: 1st
USL PlayoffsConference Quarterfinals
U.S. Open CupCancelled
Biggest winMEM 0–2 CLT (September 2)
CLT 3–1 NC (September 5)
BHM 1–3 CLT (September 12)
Biggest defeatBHM 4–1 CLT (August 5)
CLT 1–4 BHM (August 29)

Review

Pre-season

In December, the club and Mecklenburg County broke ground on renovations to American Legion Memorial Stadium that will upgrade the facility and create a home ground for the Independence through a ten-year lease, with the opening scheduled for Spring of 2021.[2] In January, the club announced that they were retaining seven players from the previous year's roster,[3] while also acknowledging that longtime club presence Alex Martínez would not be among the returnees.[4] Later signings in January included a Congolese midfielder with Ligue 2 experience at AS Béziers (Junior Etou),[5] the 2017 USLC Golden Boot winner Dane Kelly,[6] as well as two rookies (Oscar Ramsay and Casey Penland) from the team's Invitational Combine.[7]

Acquisitions continued apace in February as the club signed a veteran defender (Duke Lacroix),[8] a UNC Charlotte alum with Championship goalkeeping experience (Austin Pack),[9] and a former loanee winger (Derek Gebhard).[10] The club then announced the signing of two of the club's academy players, (Owen Barber) and (Joey Skinner), to professional contracts.[11] A player with U-15 USMNT experience, Rey Ortiz, was brought in from FC Cincinnati on a season-long loan.[12] The next addition was Guido Vadalá, a 23-year-old forward with first-team experience at Argentinian club Boca Juniors.[13]

On the minus side, the club announced the retirement of veteran Charlotte forward Jorge Herrera.[14]

March

Charlotte began their 2020 campaign with a 2–1 victory on the road versus Sporting Kansas City II.[15] In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the league suspended play for 30 days beginning March 12.[16] On March 19, the suspension was further extended to May 10.[17]

June

On June 4, the league announced a tentative date of July 11 for a resumption of play.[18] Later, the league announced that upon resumption of play, teams would be separated into eight regional groups and play enough matches to complete a 16-game schedule.[19] On June 26, the league announced that Charlotte was to be placed into Group G with other regional clubs including Birmingham, Memphis, and North Carolina.[20]

July

Charlotte began their Return To Play action with a 2–2 draw away to Memphis, recovering twice from single goal deficits to bring the match level.[21] The draw was sandwiched by postponements to matches away in Miami[22] and home versus North Carolina.[23]

August

The Independence began the month with a 4-1 loss away to Birmingham. The team failed to score from open play, with their lone goal coming from a penalty conversion by Enzo Martínez.[24] That loss was followed up by successive 1-1 draws, the first on the 8th versus Charleston in the club's home opener,[25] followed by the second draw on the 12th of the month against Birmingham.[26] The team finished the three-game homestand with a 3-2 victory over Memphis, their first home win of the season.[27] The team then traveled to Miami for an out-of-group match that resulted in a 2-1 loss.[28] The Jacks completed the month with a two-game homestand. In the first match, the team secured a 1-0 win on the first professional goal scored by Rey Ortiz.[29] The team finished the month as they started it, with a 4-1 loss to Birmingham. The Jacks conceded four unanswered goals before Dane Kelly netted his fifth goal of the season in the 85th minute.[30]

September

The Independence began a busy month with a 2-0 win on the road versus Memphis. The win solidified the club's hold on second place in Group G, five points clear of third place.[31] The club followed up that performance with a 3-1 home win against North Carolina. The sum total of the Independence scoring consisted of a Dane Kelly hat trick.[32] The club then went on the road to score a 3-1 win over Group G leading Birmingham. The Jacks, aided a brace of goals from Dane Kelly, moved within one point of Birmingham in the standings.[33] Staying on the road, the Independence scored another victory, this time over North Carolina. Despite being down to 10 men at the time by way of a Dane Kelly straight red card, Aaron Maund headed home the only goal of the match in the 51st minute to secure the club's first away win against NCFC.[34]

The Jacks returned home four days later to face Miami FC. The point the club earned in the scoreless draw moved the Independence into a tie with Birmingham atop the Group G standings.[35] The Independence then suffered their first loss of the month, falling 3-1 at home versus Memphis.[36]

October

The Jacks secured the top spot in Group G thanks to a 1-0 road win versus North Carolina coupled with a Memphis victory over Birmingham on October 3.[37] The Independence were then eliminated from the postseason in their opening conference quarterfinal match hosting Charleston Battery. The Jacks finished regulation time in a 1-1 deadlock, then conceded a headed goal by Arthur Bosua in the 101st minute.[38]

Club

Roster

As of March 4, 2020[13]

No. Position Player Nation
1 GK Austin Pack  United States
2 DF Shalom Dutey  Togo
3 DF Hugh Roberts  United States
4 MF Jake Areman  United States
5 DF Casey Penland  United States
6 DF Jack Maher (on loan from Nashville SC)  United States
7 MF Rey Ortiz (on loan from FC Cincinnati)  United States
9 FW Dane Kelly  Jamaica
11 MF Valentin Sabella  Argentina
13 MF Kevan George  Trinidad and Tobago
14 DF Duke Lacroix  United States
15 MF Luke Haakenson (on loan from Nashville SC)  United States
17 DF Clay Dimick  United States
19 FW Enzo Martínez  Uruguay
20 MF Oscar Ramsay  New Zealand
21 MF Brunallergene Etou  Congo
22 DF Joel Johnson  Liberia
23 FW Guido Vadalá  Argentina
27 MF Derek Gebhard  United States
32 FW Tresor Mbuyu  DR Congo
33 GK Brandon Miller  United States
34 DF Owen Barber ([A])  United States
35 DF Joey Skinner ([A])  United States
  1. ^
    USL Academy Contract
    2.

Competitions

Exhibitions
February 12 Preseason 1 Tormenta FC 2–4 Charlotte Independence Columbia, South Carolina
5:00PM EDT Vinyals (Mayr-Fälten)
Micaletto (pen.)		 Report (pen.)


 Stadium: SCUFC Monticello Road Soccer Center
February 15 Preseason 2 Charlotte Independence 1–1 North Carolina FC Matthews, North Carolina
2:00PM EDT Report Miller 7' Stadium: Sportsplex at Matthews
February 19 Preseason 3 Charlotte Independence 0–0 Stumptown Athletic Matthews, North Carolina
11:00AM EDT Report Stadium: Sportsplex at Matthews
February 22 Preseason 4 Greenville Triumph SC 0–2 Charlotte Independence Greenville, South Carolina
7:00PM EDT Report Stadium: Alumni Stadium
February 29 Preseason 5 Atlanta United FC Cancelled Charlotte Independence Marietta, Georgia
2:00PM EDT Report Stadium: Children’s HealthCare of Atlanta Training Ground

USL Championship
Main article: 2020 USL Championship season

Standings — Group G
Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts PPG Qualification
1 Charlotte Independence 16 8 4 4 24 22 +2 28 1.75 Advance to USL Championship Playoffs
2 Birmingham Legion FC 16 7 4 5 29 19 +10 25 1.56
3 North Carolina FC 15 6 1 8 17 21 −4 19 1.27
4 Memphis 901 FC 15 4 4 7 24 31 −7 16 1.07
Source: USL

Match results

On December 20, 2019, the USL announced the 2020 season schedule, creating the following fixture list for the early part of Charlotte's season.[1]

March 8 1 Sporting Kansas City II 1–2 Charlotte Independence Kansas City, Kansas
5:00 PM EDT (UTC–5) Maher 19' (o.g.)
Čuić Yellow card 79'		 Report Johnson Yellow card 15'
Gebhard 25'
Kelly Yellow card 30', 85'		 Stadium: Children's Mercy Park
Attendance: 691
Referee: Lukasz Szpala

As part of the resumption of league play, the following schedule was announced for Charlotte on July 2, 2020.[39]

July 22 2 Miami FC P–P Charlotte Independence Miami, Florida
TBD PM EDT Stadium: Riccardo Silva Stadium
Note: Match postponed to August 23 due to the pandemic impact in the Miami area.[40]
July 26 3 Memphis 901 FC 2–2 Charlotte Independence Memphis, Tennessee
8:30 PM EDT Allen 16'
Buckmaster 56', Yellow card 86'
Reed Yellow card 90+2'		 Report Etou Yellow card 37'
Kelly Yellow card 45+1'
Haakenson 51'
Sabella 83'		 Stadium: AutoZone Park
Referee: Ben Meyer
July 29 4 Charlotte Independence P–P North Carolina FC Matthews, North Carolina
TBA PM EDT Stadium: Sportsplex at Matthews
Note: Match postponed to 8/26/2020 due to Covid19 restrictions in the state of North Carolina.[41]
August 5 5 Birmingham Legion 4–1 Charlotte Independence Birmingham, Alabama
8:00 PM EDT Dean 5'
Brett 11', 66'
Lapa 52'		 Report Vadalá Yellow card 29'
Martínez 76' (pen.)		 Stadium: BBVA Field
Referee: Matthew Thompson
August 8 6 Charlotte Independence 1–1 Charleston Battery Matthews, North Carolina
7:00 PM EDT Etou Yellow card 15'
Kelly 38'
Haakenson Yellow card 90+4'		 Report Maund 42' (o.g.)
Clarke Red card 85'		 Stadium: Sportsplex at Matthews
Referee: Sergii Demianchuk
August 12 7 Charlotte Independence 1–1 Birmingham Legion Matthews, North Carolina
7:00 PM EDT Etou Yellow card 52'
Kelly 82'		 Report Lopez Yellow card 3', 90+3'
E. Crognale Yellow card 47'
Kasim Yellow card 56'
Asiedu Yellow card 68' Yellow-red card 80'		 Stadium: Sportsplex at Matthews
Referee: John Matto
August 15 8 Charlotte Independence 3–2 Memphis 901 FC Matthews, North Carolina
7:00 PM EDT Johnson Yellow card 30'
Kelly 53'
Martinez 60' (pen.)
Lacroix Yellow card 65'
Haakenson 69'		 Report Segbers 13', Yellow card 72'
Mentzingen 51'
Muckette Yellow card 90+4'		 Stadium: Sportsplex at Matthews
Referee: Elvis Osmanovic
August 23 2 Miami FC 2–1 Charlotte Independence Miami, Florida
7:00 PM EDT Williams 16'
Granitto 86'
Gammiero Yellow card 89'		 Report Areman 8'
Roberts Yellow card 90+1'		 Stadium: Riccardo Silva Stadium
Referee: Jonathan Bilinski
August 26 4 Charlotte Independence 1–0 North Carolina FC Matthews, North Carolina
7:00 PM EDT Ortiz 59' Report Ward Yellow card 42'
Pecka Yellow card 68'		 Stadium: Sportsplex at Matthews
Referee: Kevin Broadley
August 29 9 Charlotte Independence 1–4 Birmingham Legion Matthews, North Carolina
7:00 PM EDT Etou Yellow card 82'
Kelly 86'		 Report A. Crognale Yellow card 24'
Servania 26'
Brett 33', 49'
E. Crognale Yellow card 42' Yellow-red card 58'
Asiedu Yellow card 63'
Wright 83', Yellow card 90+1'		 Stadium: Sportsplex at Matthews
Referee: Sergii Demianchuk
September 2 10 Memphis 901 FC 0–2 Charlotte Independence Memphis, Tennessee
8:00 PM EDT Marsh-Brown soccer ball with red X 8'
Paul Yellow card 56'		 Report Marsh-Brown 32' (o.g.)
Haakenson 45+3'		 Stadium: AutoZone Park
Referee: Tori Penso
September 5 11 Charlotte Independence 3–1 North Carolina FC Matthews, North Carolina
7:00 PM EDT Kelly 10', 20', Yellow card 43', 79'
Lacroix Yellow card 18'
Martínez Yellow card 51'		 Report Smith Yellow card 35'
Taylor Yellow card 60'
Fortune 90+1'		 Stadium: Sportsplex at Matthews
Referee: Jonathan Bilinski
September 12 12 Birmingham Legion 1–3 Charlotte Independence Birmingham, Alabama
7:30 PM EDT Brett 34'
Asiedu Yellow card 48' Yellow-red card 60'		 Report Kelly 17', Yellow card 30', 45'
Etou Yellow card 23'
Lacroix Yellow card 81'
Gebhard 86'
Johnson Yellow card 88' Yellow-red card 90'		 Stadium: BBVA Field
Referee: Matthew Thompson
September 19 13 North Carolina FC 0–1 Charlotte Independence Cary, North Carolina
TBA PM EDT Albadawi Yellow card 45+1' Yellow-red card 67'
Taylor Yellow card 50'
Donovan Yellow card 69'
Fortune Yellow card 73'		 Report Kelly Red card 44'
Miller Yellow card 45+1'
Martínez Yellow card 45+1'
Maund 51'
Lacroix Yellow card 66'		 Stadium: Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park
Referee: Matthew Franz
September 23 14 Charlotte Independence 0–0 Miami FC Matthews, North Carolina
7:00 PM EDT Miller Yellow card 33'
Dimick Yellow card 43'
Vadalá Yellow card 86'
Martínez Yellow card 90+5'		 Report James Yellow card 45'
Heath Yellow card 51'		 Stadium: Sportsplex at Matthews
Referee: Kevin Broadley
September 26 15 Charlotte Independence 1–3 Memphis 901 FC Matthews, North Carolina
7:00 PM EDT Roberts Yellow card 12'
Kelly 24'
Sabella Yellow card 33'
Etou Yellow card 68'
Dimick Yellow card 82'		 Report Paul Yellow card 20'
Baxter 41'
Jennings 43', 86'
McCabe Yellow card 89'
Allen Yellow card 90+1'		 Stadium: Sportsplex at Matthews
Referee: Eric Tattersall
October 3 16 North Carolina FC 0–1 Charlotte Independence Cary, North Carolina
7:00 PM EDT Report Haakenson Yellow card 45+1'
Kelly Yellow card 88'
Gebhard Yellow card 90+1'
Sabella 90+4', Yellow card 90+5'		 Stadium: Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park
Attendance: 432
Referee: John Griggs
Note: Rescheduled from September 30 to accommodate newly scheduled match between North Carolina and New York Red Bulls II.[42]

USL Cup Playoffs
October 10 Conf. Quarterfinals Charlotte Independence 1–2 (a.e.t.) Charleston Battery Matthews, North Carolina
7:00 PM EDT Roberts 64'
Martínez Yellow card 90+4'
Dimick Yellow card 100'
Sabella Yellow card 118'		 Report Daley 3'
Crawford Yellow card 63'
Paterson Yellow card 71'
Marini Yellow card 99'
Bosua 101', Yellow card 109'		 Stadium: Sportsplex at Matthews
Attendance: 100
Referee: Lukasz Szpala

U.S. Open Cup
Main article: 2020 U.S. Open Cup

As a USL Championship club, the Independence will enter the competition in the Second Round, to be played April 7–9.[43]

April 7 Second round Charlotte Independence North Carolina P–P North Carolina Stumptown Athletic Matthews, North Carolina
7:00 p.m. EDT Stadium: Sportsplex at Matthews
Note: Match postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic[44]

Statistics
As of November 23, 2020 Source: us.soccerway.com[45]

Numbers after plus-sign(+) denote appearances as a substitute.

Appearances and goals
No. Pos Nat Player TotalUSL Championship Regular SeasonPlayoffs
AppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
15 MF United States USA Luke Haakenson 17312+431+00
19 FW Uruguay URU Enzo Martínez 17216+021+00
3 DF United States USA Hugh Roberts 17216+011+01
7 MF United States USA Rey Ortiz 17110+611+00
21 MF Republic of the Congo CGO Brunallergene Etou 17016+001+00
14 DF United States USA Duke Lacroix 17016+001+00
33 GK United States USA Brandon Miller 17016+001+00
9 FW Jamaica JAM Dane Kelly 161114+1111+00
4 MF United States USA Jake Areman 15112+211+00
27 MF United States USA Derek Gebhard 1327+520+10
17 DF United States USA Clay Dimick 1306+601+00
11 MF Argentina ARG Valentin Sabella 1424+920+10
18 DF United States USA Aaron Maund 14113+1100
22 DF Liberia LBR Joel Johnson 14012+101+00
23 FW Argentina ARG Guido Vadalá 1002+700+10
32 FW Democratic Republic of the Congo COD Tresor Mbuyu 801+7000
90 FW United States USA Christian Chaney 700+600+10
20 MF New Zealand NZL Oscar Ramsay 400+4000
13 MF Trinidad and Tobago TRI Kevan George 101+0000

References
  1. "USL Championship Unveils 2020 Schedule". USL Championship. Retrieved February 1, 2020.
  2. "Mecklenburg County Host American Legion Memorial Stadium Ground Breaking Ceremony". Charlotte Independence. December 16, 2019. Retrieved February 2, 2020.
  3. "Independence Announce Initial Roster Moves for 2020". Charlotte Independence. January 16, 2020. Retrieved January 29, 2020.
  4. "Thank you, Alex". Charlotte Independence. January 16, 2020. Retrieved February 2, 2020.
  5. "Etou Enforces Independence Midfield". Charlotte Independence. Retrieved February 5, 2020.
  6. "Independence Pick Up Championship All-Time Leading Scorer". Charlotte Independence. January 27, 2020. Retrieved February 5, 2020.
  7. "Invitational Rookie Duo Signed to Independence". Charlotte Independence. January 24, 2020. Retrieved February 5, 2020.
  8. "Independence Scoop Speedy, Championship Leftback". Charlotte Independence. February 10, 2020. Retrieved March 2, 2020.
  9. "UNC Charlotte Standout Bolsters Independence". Charlotte Independence. February 10, 2020. Retrieved March 2, 2020.
  10. "Independence Return Former Loan Midfielder". Charlotte Independence. February 11, 2020. Retrieved March 3, 2020.
  11. "Pro Teams Signs Independence SC Players". Charlotte Independence. February 24, 2020. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  12. "Independence Receive MLS Rookie from FC Cincinnati". Charlotte Independence. February 28, 2020. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  13. "Boca Juniors Product Added to Independence". Charlotte Independence. March 2, 2020. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  14. "Jorge Herrera Retires". Charlotte Independence. February 20, 2020. Retrieved March 4, 2020.
  15. "Recap: Sporting KC II takes 2-1 loss to Charlotte Independence in season opener". sportingkc.com. March 8, 2020. Retrieved March 8, 2020.
  16. "USL Championship Temporarily Suspends Play". uslchampionship.com. March 12, 2020. Retrieved March 12, 2020.
  17. "USL Championship Extends Temporary Suspension of Season". uslchampionship.com. March 18, 2020. Retrieved March 18, 2020.
  18. "USL Championship Announces July 11 Return". uslchampionship.com. June 4, 2020. Retrieved July 2, 2020.
  19. "USL Championship Unveils 2020 Season Format". uslchampionship.com. June 24, 2020. Retrieved July 2, 2020.
  20. "Championship Return to Play Preview – Group G". uslchampionship.com. June 26, 2020. Retrieved July 2, 2020.
  21. "Charlotte Independence Comes From Behind Twice To Earn A 2-2 Draw On The Road Vs Memphis 901 FC". charlotteindependence.com. July 25, 2020. Retrieved July 29, 2020.
  22. "Fixture Change Confirmed for Independence". CharlotteIndependence.com. July 14, 2020. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
  23. "Charlotte Independence Postpones Home Match Against North Carolina FC". CharlotteIndependence.com. July 24, 2020. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
  24. "Charlotte Independence Falls 4-1 Away To Birmingham Legion FC In Group G Clash". CharlotteIndependence.com. August 5, 2020. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
  25. "Charlotte Independence Draws Charleston Battery 1-1 in First Home Game of the Season at the Sportsplex at Matthews". CharlotteIndependence.com. August 8, 2020. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
  26. "Late Dane Kelly Goal Earns Charlotte Independence 1-1 Draw With Group G Leaders Birmingham Legion FC". CharlotteIndependence.com. August 13, 2020. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
  27. "Haakenson Strike Caps Charlotte Independence's 3-2 Come From Behind Win vs. Memphis 901 FC". CharlotteIndependence.com. August 15, 2020. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
  28. "Match Recap: Jacks Beaten by Miami FC at Riccardo Silva Stadium". CharlotteIndependence.com. August 23, 2020. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
  29. "Independence Records Win for the History Books with 1-0 Victory Against North Carolina FC". CharlotteIndependence.com. August 27, 2020. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
  30. "Charlotte Independence Falls 4-1 Home to Birmingham Legion FC in Group G Clash". CharlotteIndependence.com. August 29, 2020. Retrieved September 21, 2020.
  31. "Luke Haakenson Goal Lifts Charlotte Independence to Spirited 2-0 Win vs. Memphis 901 FC". CharlotteIndependence.com. September 3, 2020. Retrieved November 23, 2020.
  32. "With Hat Trick, Dane Kelly Shoulders Responsibility as Charlotte Independence Rolls Past North Carolina FC in 3-1 Win". CharlotteIndependence.com. September 5, 2020. Retrieved November 23, 2020.
  33. "Charlotte Independence Downs Group G Leaders Birmingham Legion FC 3-1 via Dane Kelly Brace at BBVA Compass Field". CharlotteIndependence.com. September 12, 2020. Retrieved November 23, 2020.
  34. "Aaron Maund Header Lifts Independence to Crucial 1-0 Win vs. North Carolina FC". CharlotteIndependence.com. September 19, 2020. Retrieved November 23, 2020.
  35. "Jacks Held by Miami FC in 0-0 Draw". CharlotteIndependence.com. September 23, 2020. Retrieved November 23, 2020.
  36. "Charlotte Independence Falls to Memphis 901 FC 3-1". CharlotteIndependence.com. September 26, 2020. Retrieved November 23, 2020.
  37. "Late Sabella Strike Clinches Postseason Place in 1-0 Win over North Carolina FC". CharlotteIndependence.com. October 3, 2020. Retrieved November 23, 2020.
  38. "Charlotte Independence Season Comes to a Close in Eastern Conference Quarterfinal". CharlotteIndependence.com. October 12, 2020. Retrieved November 23, 2020.
  39. "USL Championship Unveils Revised 2020 Regular Season Schedule". uslchampionship.com. July 2, 2020. Retrieved July 3, 2020.
  40. "Miami FC Match Slated for July 22 Changed to August 23". miamifc.com. July 14, 2020. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
  41. "Charlotte Independence Postpones Home Match Against North Carolina FC". charlotteindependence.com. July 24, 2020. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
  42. "NCFC to Play New York Red Bulls II on Wednesday, Match Against Charlotte Rescheduled for Saturday". NorthCarolinaFC.com. September 28, 2020. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  43. "Restructured Competition Format For 2020 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Provides Opportunity For More "David vs. Goliath" Matchups In 107th Edition Of U.S. Soccer's National Championship". U.S. Soccer Federation. Retrieved December 18, 2019.
  44. "U.S. Soccer Temporarily Suspends 2020 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Due to COVID-19 Outbreak". ussoccer.com. March 13, 2020. Retrieved March 15, 2020.
  45. "Charlotte Independence". Retrieved November 23, 2020.
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